How We Find the Top Online Casinos
When choosing an online casino, most people, especially beginners, make the mistake of blindly choosing the casino that offers the game they are looking for. Although essential, this should not be the sole reason for signing up for an online casino. Multiple factors combine to make your gambling experience either the best or the worst.
So, after doing some research and analyzing customers’ reviews, we were able to curate a list of the most critical factors that you always need to consider. Some of these factors are given below.
Fairness and Licensing
All law-abiding online casinos must be licensed as it’s a good sign for player security. These casino sites should also practice fair play by listing provably fair casino games. Here, regulatory authorities like eCOGRA vet their gaming outcomes. Part of fair play at casinos online includes RNG usage to ensure the games aren’t rigged.
Game Variety
Players should have the liberty of choosing from a much wider variety of real money casino games. The online casinos on our listing have made it possible for players to experience the thrill of trying out numerous games. While there might be limited interaction with the dealers and other players, the best casinos online bridge that gap by hosting live games and tournaments.
Mobile Gaming
Technological advances in gaming software and security have allowed our recommended casinos to offer the same experience once enjoyed on a personal computer to now be enjoyed while on the go with mobile gaming sessions that can be fired up via a web browser in the palm of your hand.
Bonuses
Bonuses are player incentives available at the best gambling sites. Notable mentions include welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, free spins, referral bonuses, and reload bonuses. That said, the best online casinos feature T&Cs that are attainable. Consequently, a player’s chances of making real money wins are bolstered.
Terms and Conditions of Bonuses and Promotions
You should always go through the terms and conditions of bonuses. Most casinos offer attractive and lucrative bonuses. However, this does not guarantee that they will be worthwhile.
Therefore, you should be aware of the bonuses that are beneficial to your circumstances before signing up for a casino.
Payment methods
The top online casinos offer standard accessible payment methods. These sites also host swift payment methods that feature little to no transaction fees. The banking mediums on display should also grant you unfettered access to available incentives.
Software
Software plays a crucial role in providing quality graphics and visuals. If high-quality software does not develop the games provided by casinos, it can instantly take away all the fun from gambling.
Low-quality graphics and visuals may not allow you to play different versions of certain games, like video poker, roulette, blackjack, and many other games.
Fund Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Different online casinos offer various deposit and withdrawal options for your funds. However appealing these offers may be, they can not guarantee your convenience. It is best to research the method of payment that suits you and then narrow down the list according to that.
Compatibility
People rarely carry their laptops everywhere. As a result, most people prefer playing games on their phones. So, always check the compatibility of your online casino with both your computer and mobile phones.
Most online casinos are compatible with laptops, tablets, and mobiles on both iOS and Android systems.
Read Online Casino Reviews
If you are considering using an online casino for the first time, you'll find they are plainly very different from land based operations. It is no surprise outside of game availability you may not know what to expect.
Don't worry there are no nasty surprises, however, we have a team of extensively experienced online casino players who have years of experience both here in the US and in Europe of what makes an online casino a good option for players new and old.
We recommend reading all casino reviews available for your state so you can find out what to expect inside and the range of wagering options and rewards programs they have in place, as well as any welcome-bonus offers you could take advantage of when you sign up.
Customer Support
Customer service is one of the building blocks of a company’s reputation. While playing online games which require real money, most players depend on customer services to get through the problems. The online casinos that put their customers’ satisfaction first provide excellent customer service.
Not all casinos have all three modes of contacting the team, i.e., email, telephone number, and live chat. Therefore, look for it to enjoy the one you are comfortable with. Moreover, always check the reviews regarding the response time and of the customer support team.
How To Know If Casinos Are Legitimate Online Gambling Sites
The best way to ensure you are playing at legitimate real-money online casinos is to stick to operators that are licensed within your state or country.
For example, the only licensed real-money CT casinos are DraftKings and the FanDuel-powered Mohegan Sun, whereas there are lots more to choose from in states such as New Jersey, PA online casinos, Michigan and West Virginia.
You can head to the very bottom of the page at any site to find the licensing details. That will tell you if it is licensed and regulated by an official authority, and you should find a license number and other official details. Some of the official authorities are, such as the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement or the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
The sites featured on this page are all safe, legitimate and regulated. They will treat you fairly and provide dependable payouts if you win. The sites on this page feature games that are regularly tested by external agencies to ensure the Random Number Generators are working correctly and providing fair results. They also uphold strict responsible gambling and player protection measures, and you are covered by the consumer protection department in your state when playing at them, which is reassuring.
Stick to these sites and avoid unrecognizable brands that do not provide licensing details. That way you will ensure you are playing at a legit site.
Legal Online Casino Sites By State
The following states have online casinos available, with information on the number of casinos per state, what's next in the plan for the release of more operators or not, and the maximum that will be allowed. Click on the list of sites to see all.
State |
Sites |
What's Next |
Total Sites |
New Jersey |
23 |
More Coming Soon |
Unlimited |
Michigan |
11 |
More Coming Soon |
15 |
Pennsylvania |
10 |
More Coming Soon |
12 |
Delaware |
3 |
That's It |
3 |
West Virginia |
2 |
More Coming Soon |
15 |
The Growth of Legal Gambling Sites USA
As you can see, New Jersey is streets ahead when it comes to legal gambling sites in operation.
Pennsylvania went live with online legal casino sites in July 2019 and has grown to a good number already. The only other states where legal online casino gambling is permitted currently are Michigan, Delaware and West Virginia. There are three brands live online in DE but all are overseen by the state lottery with the same software providers so are essentially the same experience. West Virginia is live with DraftKings casino and more will follow soon.
Michigan approved online casino sites at the end of 2019 in law which allows up to 15 online casinos in the state.
Whilst legal land based casinos are available in many states, it will be some time before online casinos catch up. The growth of legal sports betting sites is likely to spread much more quickly but we expect online casino gambling to gradually become more widespread in time.
Remember though, you do not have to live permanently in NJ, PA,MI, DE or WV to be able to gamble there legally online, you just need to be physically present within state boundaries at the time of making your transactions and playing the casino games of your choice.
Many people in bordering states will visit one of these states to open their casino accounts online and to play the games of their choice. With the number of generous sign up offers available including some very attractive no deposit offers then it is easy to see why people think the journey is well worth it.
Casino Online USA: Banking
Most popular USA online casinos for real money allow the use of Visa, MasterCard, and Amex for deposits and cashouts. Your payment into the casino may be rejected if the USA online casino sites are not set up with adequate payment processing.
In those cases, the best online casino websites will advise on alternative options as a means of depositing at their site. Options, such as Neteller, Skrill, and similar banking methods, were acceptable in the past.
Fortunately, there are alternatives, which include UnionPay debit cards, Western Union, Moneygram, and Pre Paid Gift Cards. Below are some of the most popular banking methods available at the top USA online casinos.
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Online Casinos that Accept Paypal – One of the easiest ways to make deposits and withdrawals is by using PayPal. It is safe to use and most players are familiar with the payment method. Also, you won’t have to wait weeks to receive your withdrawals.
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Online Casinos that Accept Credit Cards – Credit cards remain the most convenient and quickest banking option for US players. You can use it to deposit funds at real cash online casinos. The US online casino websites we recommend all have solutions in place to purchase credits using popular credit cards.
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Online Casinos that Accept Western Union – Western Union, is a reliable US online casino payment option that can be used to deposit funds and withdraw. It is not the most popular US online payment method, partly because it’s not as fast as other methods. It’s one of the most secure banking methods and an ideal alternative to credit/debit cards or cryptocurrencies.
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Online Casinos that Accept Bitcoin – Bitcoin is the latest payment option. It has become among the most reliable, secure, and beneficial for use at online gambling sites. Players love Bitcoin for being anonymous and prompt to transfer large sums of money to an online USA casino.
Same-Day Payout Online Casino
It is rare to find real-money casino sites that provide same-day payouts, but some of the best operators provide this service. One that stands out is bet365 casino. If you request a payout via a branded bet365 Mastercard, you will get your funds instantly.
It also provides instant withdrawals to certain Visa debit cards. Your card details will be saved on your account when you make your deposit, and you can use those details to receive a quick withdrawal direct to your linked bank account.
BetRivers casino also deserves a mention in this section. Its RushPay withdrawal system will automatically approve more than 80% of all payout requests. You will get your funds instantly if you choose Play+ as your payout method, or in minutes via PayPal. Golden Nugget also has instant payouts through certain methods. FanDuel Casino is another operator that has been known to provide same-day payouts.
Another option is to head to the casino cage at a retail casino to be paid out instantly. For example, if you head to Borgata in Atlantic City or MGM Grand Detroit, you can receive a same-day payout in cash from your BetMGM account.
The same can be true if you visit a Caesars or a BetRivers property, but it is best to call in advance to let them know you are coming, particularly if you are requesting a large payout.
Final Takeaway: Online Real-Money Casinos
We have provided a detailed guide to the best online real-money casinos in the United States and around the world. Each of these online casinos has its own strengths and weaknesses, and they all have their individual niches.
You can check out our reviews of the best online casinos above and find a legal site that will best suit your needs. It is also advisable to register with a few rival operators, as that will entitle you to several welcome bonuses and give you access to a phenomenal portfolio of games.
FAQs and Guide to the Best Online Casino Sites
Are Online Real Money Casinos Legal?
In most cases, the answer to this question depends on your location. Most countries and states are now legalizing online gambling, while others have several restrictions to promote fairness and security in every aspect.
Kindly confirm your jurisdiction’s position on online casino gambling. Why? Since gambling provisions differ from country to country, it’s essential to stay current with the latest regulations to ensure you aren’t caught on the wrong side of the law.
How Much Money Can I Win When Gambling Online?
The amount of money you can win is limitless unless the terms state otherwise. Some bonuses come with capped winning requirements. Considering the many jackpots and progressive jackpot games available in the casino sites, we can only say that the “sky’s the limit.”
Online casinos can payout life-changing amounts. However, remember that gambling is a game of chances and luck( house always wins). So, don’t get ahead of yourself because this isn’t a source of financial breakthrough.
What Does Wagering Requirement Mean?
At online casinos for real money play, wagering requirements are constants. It implies the number of times you have to stake or wager a bonus before it’s ready for withdrawal. For example, if the wagering requirement on a video slot is 35× the offer, it means that you have to wager bonus funds 35 times before you’re eligible to withdraw what’s left.
Also known as playthroughs, wagering requirements are always the most daunting terms when playing casino games for real money. Always check how realistic they are before selecting a game or settling for a bonus.
If the terms imply something like a 35× (deposit + bonus), it means you have to wager 70 times. Be vigilant of provisions like this as they’re, most times, almost impossible to attain.
Are Casino Games Rigged?
Not at all. As long as you play at licensed and regulated casinos for real money, the gaming outcomes are always fair. The best online casinos feature RNGs (Random Number Generators) that have undergone numerous tests. These add-ons are instrumental in ensuring fairness as gaming results are randomized.
Also, reviews like this come in handy when searching for trustworthy casinos because some shaky ones package themselves so well that you can miss the red flags.
Can I Trust Online Casinos with Personal Details?
Most definitely. As long as you’re playing in a licensed casino, you’re good to go. Why? These casinos must go through thorough scrutiny before they begin operations. Consequently, safety and security are some of the requirements that the best online casinos have to fulfill.
That said, Bitcoin casinos are considered safer because they allow player anonymity. Here, the possibility of hackers getting access to your personal information is next to “zero.”
Are There Any Tips for Winning in Real Money Casino Sites?
Our advice? Stick to what you know. You also need to understand the rules of the game to play optimally. Finally, opt-in for bonuses and promotions as they increase your winning chances. However, be wary of the limitations that come with these incentives.
It’s pertinent to note that these are just tips that can improve your winning chances. If you want to have maximum fun in a casino, treat gambling as a recreational activity.
What Is the Difference Between Free Games and Real Money Games?
Did you know that some casinos allow you to play the games for free? For instance, in casinos like Red Dog, you can play games without making a financial commitment. Save for live dealer titles; the rest are available on a trial basis. These are the ones we call “free games.”
That said, you can also play free games for real money. However, you’ll have to deposit money into your casino account. This option always has more perks because you’ll receive bonuses, move a step towards the VIP program, and most importantly, stand a chance to win real money.
Remember, trial games are risk-free, as you always have some virtual free money to foster play. Nonetheless, winnings from these titles don’t translate to real money payouts.
Can I Play Online Casino Games on My Phone?
Absolutely. The best online casinos are optimized for mobile gaming. Some iGaming sites even have real money casino apps so that you can play your favorite casino titles without having to deal with delays associated with their web-based offerings.
However, it’s crucial to note that your preferred games might not be available at some of the online casinos we’ve listed. Consequently, seek out a site that features your top gambling alternatives in its game’s lobby. That way, your time at a gambling site is fun and rewarding.